Immunizations & Flu Clinics

What is Premier Pediatrics’ policy on immunizations?
Dr. Winburn-Antovoni and Dr. Bush do require that all patients at Premier Pediatrics be immunized and recommend that patients follow the AAP guidelines for receiving these immunizations.

Where can I get more information about these immunizations?
Please review the information in our handouts and/or visit the CDC’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.

Should I give my child Tylenol before he/she receives an immunization?
Because receiving immunizations can cause a mild fever, many parents and pediatricians routinely give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to children when they receive their vaccinations. However, we know that a fever is one sign that our body is generating an immune response. A recent study indicated that receiving acetaminophen before vaccines could possibly reduce that immune response and thus make the vaccines less effective. This means having a fever could make the vaccines work better!

Giving Tylenol prior to immunizations does not reduce the discomfort associated with the injection. Therefore, the best advice is to wait and see how your child reacts to the immunizations. Many children act fine after receiving their immunizations even if they have a vaccine-related fever. If that is the case, the fever is possibly a good thing and acetaminophen isn’t necessary. If, however your child is acting sick after receiving vaccines, it is then worth talking to your pediatrician to see if acetaminophen or ibuprofen would be helpful. (Adapted from www.healthychildren.org by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Why did you change the 5 year immunizations to 4 years?
In the fall of 2011, Dr. Winburn-Antovoni and Dr. Bush made the decision to shift the immunizations patients had been receiving at 5 years (also known as the Kindergarten shots) to 4 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that these immunizations may be given anytime between ages 4 and 6. The decision was made for several reasons:

As a preventative measure due to the increasing number of chickenpox cases we have been seeing.

Due to the increasing number of kids attending Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunizations seem to be a little less traumatic of an experience to a 4 year-old child when compared to a 5 year-old child.

Do you offer immunizations for parents?
Yes, Premier Pediatrics offers a Boostrix (Tdap) booster in addition to the flu shot or flu mist (during the appropriate season) to parents of patients here at Premier Pediatrics. We will submit a claim for these immunizations to the appropriate insurance company.

Note: All HMO patients MUST receive shots at their PRIMARY CARE office ONLY. Therefore, a parent with an HMO insurance will not be eligible to receive an immunization at our office.

When will Premier Pediatrics offer flu shots and flu mists?
Typically Premier Pediatrics will receive the first shipment of flu shots/flu mists in August or September we will typically continue to offer flu shots and flu mists through about the end of December. Your child may receive his/her flu shot or flu mist while here in the office for a well-visit, office visit, etc.

We also offer flu shot/flu mist clinics periodically throughout this season. The flu clinics are always set up as a scheduled appointment with a nurse and are run through our well-clinic side. Flu clinic availably varies from year to year, please watch our updated postings and/or check with a patient care coordinator for details regarding this year’s clinics.

Does Premier Pediatrics typically recommend the flu shot or the flu mist?
For most patients, ages 2 years and above, Dr. Winburn-Antovoni and Dr. Bush recommend the flu mist. The flu mist is expected to remain effective for about 12 months compared to the flu shot which is expected to remain effective for about 6 months. However, the flu mist is not recommended for patients with certain health issues. Your provider will advise you if these health issues are a concern.

My child is not feeling well; do I need to cancel our Flu Clinic appointment?
If your child has a fever, we may need to postpone his/her flu mist.
The flu shot is an inactivated virus and may be given even if your child is not feeling 100%.
Please do discuss your child’s symptoms with the nurse.

What are typical reactions to the Flu Shot/Flu Mist?Flu mist: In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine.

Flu shot: Soreness, redness or swelling, low grade fever, aches, and itching where the shot was given; if these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days.

Office Hours

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 8 am -11 am

Walk-In Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 8 am -11 am

* All walk-in patients must be checked in by 4:30 pm M-F and 11 am on
Saturdays

Quick Links

Attention!

Boostrix (tetanus+whooping cough) is available for parents. All parents of newborns should have this important vaccine. Call for more information: 913-345-9400.

Our Hours

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 8 am -11 am

Walk-In Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 8 am -11 am

* All walk-in patients must be checked in by 4:30 pm M-F and 11 am on Saturdays

* After hours please follow the directions on our voicemail system. You will be directed to Children’s Mercy Triage Line who can triage your questions/concerns and contact the on-call physician if necessary